DE- Booklet for Events

by Dave Grandt

Copyright 2017 cerpca and David Grandt

Congratulations,

Your application has been accepted for the upcoming Coastal Empire Region Drivers’ Education at Roebling Road Raceway. We are looking forward to a safe and exciting event. Please read this entire package, as there is information you need and actions you need to take prior to attending our event. The event schedule, run group, and instructor assignments will be provided at registration. Your car number is on www.clubregistration.net for this event. You must use the number that has been assigned to you!

The TECH FORM is very important and must be taken seriously. The track puts demands not encountered in normal driving on your car. This is the only way we can ensure that your car is ready for those demands. You must have your car inspected and have the “Pre-Tech Inspection” part of the form completed by a service facility no more that two weeks prior to attending the event. The last portion will be completed at Grid Tech on Friday night or Saturday morning at the track or hotel. Please pay special attention to your tires and brakes. Excessively worn tires or inadequate brakes will get you disqualified at Grid Tech. It is also highly recommended that you have your brake fluid changed prior to this event.

There are maps and more information about the track at: www.roeblingroad.com

The host hotel is the Country Inn & Suites Savannah Airport, 21 Yvette Johnson Hagins Drive, Savannah, GA 31408. The hotel's phone number is 912 966 1717. Please mention Coastal Empire Region Porsche Club of America for a group rate. The manager's name is Kaji Kotob.

Tech and Registration will be held at Roebling Road Raceway on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and then at the Country Inn & Suites from 6:30 until 8:00. We will also host a hospitality event at the hotel on Friday evening and Saturday evening. If possible, please try to register and tech Friday. If you miss the Friday Tech and Registration, please be there when the track opens at 7:00 am on Saturday morning. Tech and Registration will close at 7:45 AM on Saturday morning.

You will be required to read, agree to, and sign a release and waiver of liability at the on-site registration in addition to the Roebling Road Raceway release and waiver of liability.

You will also be responsible for payment to repair any damage done by you to the Roebling Road Raceway facilities as determined by the facility manager. Individual insurance for DE’s is available on www.hpdeins.locktonaffinity.com/Products.aspx

We will have Apex Performance in attendance on both Saturday and Sunday, please review their website: www.apexperformance.net

If you have questions or need further information concerning the event, please e-mail me at davidgrandt@hargray.com.

I look forward to seeing you at the track. David Grandt: DE Registrar

SAFETY RULES

Just like a public road, there are rules for the track to insure your safety.

Safety is our number one priority. THIS IS NOT RACING!!! Passing signals and passing zones will be strictly enforced. PCA’s recommended “two spin” rule will be in effect for the weekend. Our chief instructor will have a chat with any driver who spins twice, goes two wheels off more than twice in one day, or exhibits any other dangerous behavior. You may be asked to leave the event if the chief instructor or event chairman feels your actions compromise the safety of the event. Any metal-to-metal contact between cars is grounds for dismissal from the event.

Check your tires and brakes after each session. Check your oil level before each session. Check your lug nuts periodically. Listen for any strange or new sounds that your car may develop and inspect to see what the problem is before returning to the track. In a turn at 100 MPH is not the time to realize that sound you heard had something to do with your sway bar. Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Be aware of the traffic ahead of you, the traffic behind you and the corner workers in their corner stations.

-Flag stations are for your safety – they control the track Note where each manned flag station is; learn to take a quick glance as you enter that location. The flag workers have track radios and will warn you of situations not only at that corner, but at the following corners as well.

-Flag definitions: -Green – start/restart of session -No flag – track is open -Stationary Yellow – Caution, slow down, off track problem, no passing -Waving Yellow – Caution, slow down, unsafe track condition, no passing, prepare to stop if needed. -Yellow & Red Stripped – Caution, slow down, slippery track surface, oil, dirt, car parts, etc. -Red – Stop driving, track is blocked; pull to the side of the t rack as soon as safely possible within site of the next flag station. -White – Slow moving emergency vehicle on the track -Black – Pull into the pit lane your next chance. If it is for a specific car, that car number will also be displayed. Cars should report to the track steward for consultation. -Blue – A faster car is approaching, check your mirrors, and let it pass in the next passing zone. -Checkered – Session is complete, no passing, cool down lap, enter the pits at the next opportunity.

-Passing Rules: -Passing is highly controlled for the safety of all involved. The rules regarding passing are strictly enforced. Anyone choosing not to adhere to the rules will be removed from the event. -Green Group – Passing is allowed on the front straight and also between turns 2 & 3 and also turns 7 & 8 -The lead car always stays to the left. All passing will be done on the right. -Pass only when the driver in front of you acknowledges that they see you and gives you a passing signal (left hand out the window, pointing over the roof to the right). -If there is a line of cars waiting to pass, each car in line is to receive a separate pass signal before a pass can be started. -The pass must be completed and your car back in line on the left side of the track before the brake markers at turn 1. A late pass signal is not an excuse for being out of line. The burden of passing is on the car that is doing the passing, not the lead car. You do not need to make the pass if you are not comfortable doing so. Violation of this rule will result in a black flag. -Blue Group – Passing is allowed on the front straight as indicated above and also between turns 2 & 3 and between turns 7&8. All passes must be done on the right with the passing signal issued. -White– passing on the front straight is on the right, passing is allowed between turns 2 & 3 and 7& 8 with the option of a right or left pass as signaled by the driver being passed. -Black & Red Groups-Open passing is allowed anywhere on the track with a point by. You must receive a point by from each car before passing! -No drag racing If a car is in your mirror at the exit of turn 9, they are faster. Give a passing signal and gently lift out of the throttle to let the other car pass. -If you are repeatedly held up by a car, get the car # and report it to a track official so they can talk to the driver. -You always have the option of pulling into the pit lane to remove yourself from heavy traffic. The track out person will send you right out, you will not lose track time. Pitting-Pitting safely requires that you let the drivers behind you know what your intentions are. Exit the last turn before the pits at speed – pull off the line still at speed – raise your left fist in the air as you gradually reduce speed. As you leave the track, quickly reduce your speed. The speed limit in the paddock and pit is 5 mph. We will not tolerate excessive speed in the pits – there are just too many participants, families, etc. Re-entry-Re-entry to the track is controlled by the starter at pit out. Pull to the end of pit lane, stop and wait for the starter’s signal – be ready. When signaled onto the track, accelerate smartly to speed, stay to the right of the white solid blend line, check your mirrors carefully(remember, cars on the course will be carrying a lot of speed down the straightaway) and move to the left.

Clothing

-Drivers are required to wear shirts and pants of natural fiber (cotton or wool). Synthetics are not allowed. Cotton socks and tennis shoes or leather shoes with relatively smooth soles are required. No heavy lugged soles (like hiking boots) are allowed for driving. Approved driving suits, shoes, and gloves are acceptable, but not required.

Car Numbers

-All cars are required to display numbers on both sides of the car. Minimum size 8” high and 1” wide in a color contrasting with car color. These numbers should be easily readable by track workers. You must use the number assigned to you during the confirmation process.

Car Windows

-Drivers’ and passengers’ side widows must be completely down at all times. Sunroof must be closed while on track. Keep arms inside vehicle unless giving passing signal or pit signal.

For all cabriolets, convertibles, or otherwise soft top vehicles: All cars must conform to the following: 1.All convertibles must have factory installed roll over devices or other roll bars in accordance with PCA Club Race or SCCA race regulations. 2.For any vehicle running without an OEM top in place, all occupants must have 5 or 6-way harnesses, arm restraints, and full face helmet with shield in place.

Advancement in Run Group:

Our instructors are provided with information on both you and your car. Along with instructing you in the proper line around the track and evaluating your driving skills, your instructor is also evaluating your courtesy to other drivers and your judgment. Your good judgment and experience are the only things that will advance you in our DE’s. Good judgment includes everything from knowing when to pass, to knowing when to let other cars pass you. It includes knowing when to brake for turns, to when to get back on the gas. Good judgment means you don’t need someone sitting in your passenger seat telling you every move to make. And good judgment only comes from a lot of seat time. Be patient, listen to what your instructor has to say, take a ride with your instructor if he or she offers. Learn to be aware of everything that is going on with your car, the other drivers and the track personnel. Concentrate on being smooth. Do these few things and the speed will come.

SUMMARY

-We are here to have fun and learn. -This is NOT a race event. -All of us should return to our homes with our cars in the same condition they arrived. -Car/driver/track have limits that need to be respected. -The key to car control and speed is smooth driver input to the steering wheel and pedals. -If instucted, your instructor is in command of the car, even though you are driving. Be sure to work out communications and do not hesitate to do what is asked. If you question why and want more understanding, do this in the pit lane where both of you can spend 100% of your effort to listen and learn. -Mentally drive the track in your head during your off time. Think about braking and shift points. If you can drive the track in your head, you can concentrate on driving smooth and fast. -Before each session, make goals like I need to enter turn 1 with more speed; I need to work on my turn in point on turn 5, etc. -Fill out the pertinent evaluation forms on www.clubregistration.net before leaving the event.